Martelé

Martelé is French for hammered (with a hammer).

Learning Concepts

Improves projection, articulation, and clarity.

Exercise I: Martelé Upper Half

Play the excerpt from Kreutzer Etudes No. 7. Start at the tip of the bow and use only the upper half. Before moving the bow, add pressure from your bow arm so the bow sticks to the string. Then quickly jerk the bow. You should be creating a "T" sound at the beginning of the stroke (similar to collé only louder because you are using more of the bow).

Important Tips:

To prepare for the up-bow, start with your fingers straight ready to throw the bow

To prepare for the down-bow, start with your fingers curved (especially the pinky) ready to throw the bow

Exercise II: Martelé Lower Half

Play the excerpt from Kreutzer Etudes No. 7. Start at the middle of the bow and use only the lower half. Before moving the bow, add pressure from your bow arm so the bow sticks to the string. Then quickly jerk the bow. You should be creating a "T" sound at the beginning of the stroke (similar to collé only louder because you are using more of the bow).

Important Tips:

To prepare for the up-bow, start with your fingers straight ready to throw the bow

To prepare for the down-bow, start with your fingers curved (especially the pinky) ready to throw the bow